Morphological variation in the rangeomorph organism Fractofusus misrai from the Ediacaran of Newfoundland, Canada

A new three-dimensional analysis of the Ediacaran rangeomorph Fractofusus misrai from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, reveals distinct morphological differences between its upper and lower surfaces. Contrary to previous assumptions, this organism's fractal-like branching grew asymmetrically—downward into sediment near its midline but extending above the sediment-water interface at lateral and distal margins. This discovery clarifies the taphonomic processes behind observed variations in fossil forms (straight, curved, kinked, or tousled) and deepens our understanding of its epifaunal lifestyle and paleoenvironmental interactions. The study combines detailed morphological reconstruction with biostratinomic analysis to unravel the complex history of this iconic Ediacaran fossil.

Taylor, R. S., Nicholls, R., Neville, J. M., & McIlroy, D. (2022). Morphological variation in the rangeomorph organism Fractofusus misrai from the Ediacaran of Newfoundland, Canada. Geological Magazine, 160(1), 146–166. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0016756822000723